Flu outbreak subsides in Oak Ridge area, but could return

Influenza has reached epidemic proportions across the nation, but the virus may have already peaked locally, according to Eva Harris, infection prevention manager at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

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By Ginny Baxter

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Ginny Baxter

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 5:13 PM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 5:20 PM

By Ginny Baxter

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 5:13 PM
Updated Jan 18, 2013 at 5:20 PM

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Influenza has reached epidemic proportions across the nation, but the virus may have already peaked locally, according to Eva Harris, infection prevention manager at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.

“We experienced a spike in the number of people who screened positive for influenza during the first week of December through the week before Christmas,” she said.

“Numbers went down the week of Christmas and have continued to drop so far through January.”

She added it isn’t too late for people to receive a vaccination against the flu.

“The flu season is not over, and we could see a second peak of activity,” Harris said.

Most people should receive the vaccine every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two reasons. First, flu viruses constantly change, and vaccines may need to be updated from one year to the next. Second, a person’s immunity from a vaccination declines over time.

What are the benefits of receiving the flu vaccine?

Flu seasons are unpredictable and can sometimes be severe. By receiving a vaccination, you not only protect yourself, but also babies who are too young to be vaccinated and other people who are at high risk for flu-related complications.

“Elderly adults and also people with underlying health issues are at increased risk of complications like post influenza pneumonia and even death. That is why it is important to receive the flu vaccine every year.”

Who should get the flu vaccine? Nearly everyone.

Harris recommends people follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for vaccinations, which state that everyone age six months and older should receive the vaccine. It is especially important to the following groups because they are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications, or they live with or care for people at high risk. Those groups are:

• Pregnant women

• Children under age five, especially those under age two

• People age 50 and older

• People with chronic medical conditions

• People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities

• Health care workers, others in regular contact with people at high risk for complications, and people who provide care for children less than six months of age.

Who should NOT get

the vaccine?

The CDC does not recommend the flu vaccine for several groups:

• Babies under the age of six months

Page 2 of 2 - • People who are sick and have a fever (wait until you recover before receiving the vaccine)

• People with a severe allergy to chicken eggs

• People who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccination in the past

• People who developed Guillian-Barre syndrome within six weeks of receiving the flu vaccine in the past

What types of flu vaccines are available?

There are two types of flu vaccine available — the killed, injectable flu virus and a nasal spray flu vaccine made of live, weakened flu viruses. Neither type of vaccine causes the flu, according to the CDC.

• Children younger than five who have asthma or had one or more episodes of wheezing in the past year

• Pregnant women

• People with long-term health problems

• People who have muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems

• Anyone with a weakened immune system

• Anyone in close contact with a person who has a weak immune system

• Children or adolescents receiving long-term aspirin treatment

Should I be worried about the side effects?

The flu vaccine is safe, the CDC said. Side effects from the flu shot are possible soreness, redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site, while side effects from the nasal spray include a runny nose, nasal congestion and a cough.

What if I don’t have a family doctor?

Many area pharmacies have the flu vaccine, or you may want to check with your local health department.

If you need a family doctor, call 1-800-468-6767 for information about the doctors on Methodist Medical Center’s staff.